This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a winning dish! It combines seasoned ground beef and tender zucchini, all baked with melted cheese on top. Yum!
I love how simple it is to prepare. Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the hearty base of the casserole. You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken works well too for a lighter option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds flavor and texture. If you’re out, yellow squash is a great substitute. Both vegetables steam nicely and offer a similar taste.
Onion & Garlic: These enhance the overall flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use onion powder and garlic powder instead. However, fresh is always more fragrant!
Marinara Sauce: This gives the dish its rich sauce. You can swap it for any tomato-based sauce, like diced tomatoes or homemade tomato sauce. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for melting gooiness, paired with Parmesan for a bit of sharpness. You can use any melting cheese or even a dairy-free option if needed!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Has the Perfect Texture?
Getting the right texture is essential for a casserole. Here’s a tip: layer the ingredients properly. Start with zucchini, then beef, and then more zucchini. This forms a nice structure, giving you that wonderful texture.
- Use medium heat when cooking the beef to avoid a burnt crust.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Let it cool slightly after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve!
Following these tips will help you achieve a delightful casserole every time!
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious casserole in about 45 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for your casserole.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
4. Add the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to mix together beautifully!
5. Layer the Ingredients:
In a baking dish, start with a layer of sliced zucchinis on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and sauce mixture over the zucchinis.
6. Add Cheese:
Dollop some ricotta cheese on top of the beef layer (if using), then sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that cheesy goodness!
7. Finish Layering:
Top with another layer of zucchini slices and then spread the remaining beef sauce mixture on top. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Bake It:
Place the casserole in the oven (uncovered) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and golden brown, and the casserole bubbling with joy!
9. Cool and Garnish:
After taking it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your hearty, cheesy zucchini and ground beef casserole, serve it warm, and dig in! It’s the perfect comforting meal.
This delicious dish is not only easy to prepare but also balances the fresh taste of zucchini with the savory flavors of ground beef and gooey melted cheese! Enjoy this family-friendly favorite any night of the week.
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Other Ground Meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so ensure it’s cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can skip the ricotta and add more mozzarella or Parmesan instead. Alternatively, you could mix cream cheese with a bit of milk or yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture, or microwave for quicker heating, stirring halfway through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a veggie meat substitute, lentils, or beans for protein. You can also increase the amount of zucchini and add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor!
